Page 27 of Stay Wild Darlin’

I decided to send a quick “we’re good” message. It felt weird not to. After all, I was here taking care of his daughter.

Might as well keep him in the loop, right?

Cora let out a soft burp against my shoulder, and I grinned, pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head. “Let’s see about getting you into some new outfits, huh?” I slipped my phone back into my pocket.

Outside, the Texas sky was starting to shift into a dusky orange, and the neon signs of the shopping center flickered to life.

I breathed in the evening air, one arm wrapped around Cora, bracing her gently. “Ready to do some shopping?”

By the time we hit the third store, Cora had taken in so many sights that her wide eyes looked like they might pop out of her head. I’d picked up a baby carrier back at the first stop, and she’d been gnawing on the padded edge ever since—my poor shoulder forever sporting a drool patch in the process.

I paused to check out a small, worn-looking bookcase. It could use a coat of paint, but it’d be perfect for the few books and knickknacks I had. Cora let out a tiny grunt—her signal that we were flirting with her fussy window. We’d already snagged a few decent pieces, so maybe it was time to call it a day.

It amazed me how easy she was. I hadn’t been around babies much, so I’d expected chaos and screaming. Aside from a few yawns and a half-hearted whimper here and there, she’d been an absolute angel. It felt natural to know when she wanted a bottle or a break, like we had this unspoken language going on. I was probably biased—it had only been a day—but part of me couldn’t help thinking if I ever had a kid of my own someday, they’d have a hard act to follow after sweet Cora. She was damn near perfect.

I grabbed my cart and headed to the checkout, laden with a few plants, candles, new towels, sheets, and a couple of frames. My bank account still looked dire, but thanks to the refund from my old apartment deposit—and Dalton’s upcoming payment on the first—I could scrape by.

Using the money Dalton had left for us, I had also gotten Cora some new clothes, extra bottles, the same brand of formula as in her diaper bag, and a toy that lit up when she pressed buttons. I even snagged a high chair and the baby carrier she seemed to adore—she’d been all smiles trying it out.

Back at the car, I piled everything in, then settled in the back seat to feed Cora one more time before hitting the road. As she sucked on her bottle, I pulled out my phone and opened the online group where I usually asked random questions. Without overthinking, I typed:

I started nannying for the first time. Is it possible to find my new boss attractive and bond with the baby I’m nannying for?

My stomach flipped the second I hit Post. I closed my eyes, feeling a rush of embarrassment, but there was no going back. By the time I finished burping Cora and tucking her into her seat, the responses were already rolling in. Before I pulled out of the lot, curiosity got the best of me, and I glanced at a few of them.

@WineMomForever: Happens to the best of us. Don’t accidentally call him “Daddy” in front of the baby.

@NannyProTips: It’s natural to bond with the child you’re caring for. As for finding the boss attractive, it can happen. We’re human! Just keep it professional.

@BeccaWrecka: Girl, watch enough rom-coms and you’ll see this is basically the start of a Hallmark movie. Promise to invite us all to the wedding, okay?

@Boundaries101: NO. Run the other way! Falling for your boss is like putting a lit match next to a gas can—sooner or later, BOOM. Loving the baby is sweet, but mixing it with a crush on Hot Boss is a recipe for heartbreak. Full stop.

I scrolled through the replies, my stomach churning with each new notification. A couple made me snort—yes, I could see the Hallmark vibe if I squinted. Others came across like serious red-flag warnings. And then there was one that basically screamed, Don’t do it, girl, run!

They all had a point.

I was already getting attached to Cora—how could I not, with her sweet smiles and tiny fingers curling around mine? That alone was risky, because this job wasn’t forever. Sooner or later, I’d have to move on, and the last thing I needed was tangled feelings for both baby and dad. Boundaries were nonnegotiable. If I let myself give in to any spark of attraction, I’d be jeopardizing my job.

I sighed and turned off the screen before starting the engine. Cora was half asleep, and I was more than ready for the drive back. Night fell around us, headlights illuminating the long road until we finally pulled up to the house.

Cora stayed knocked out through it all—didn’t even budge when I lifted her from the car seat—so I had to rouse her for a quick bath and a set of pajamas. She let out a soft, sleepy whine, eyes fluttering in protest at first, but the warm water seemed to calm her. Afterward, she was out like a light again, small lashes brushing her cheeks as I laid her in the crib.

“Sleep tight,” I murmured, lingering for a second to watch her steady breathing.

Heading to my room, I sorted some of her new clothes into the laundry, determined to get everything washed by morning—no more ill-fitting leggings. The bags from earlier sat in a small pile, my half-hearted attempt to decorate scattered across the floor. Tomorrow, I thought, yawning. I’d tackle the mini makeover then.

As my eyes drooped, my phone buzzed. Dalton’s name lit the screen.

Thanks for helping out. We landed. Send me a picture when u get the chance. Kinda miss her.

I snorted quietly, fingers already sliding over the keys.

Getting soft already, cowboy?

Three dots appeared almost at once.

Only for my girl.